Football pitches are typically abandoned when waterlogged, but in the Cotswolds, a unique annual fixture embraces the wet. Two teams plunged into the chilly waters of the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, for the traditional Football In The River match.
While much of Britain has endured successive heatwaves and widespread drought this summer, the "pitch" in the Cotswolds was perfectly saturated for the event. The 50-minute game saw mixed teams from Bourton Rovers' men's and veteran squads compete, kicking off at 2pm.
Around 2,000 spectators gathered along the riverbanks to witness the five-a-side clash, played in the ankle-deep water, a beloved local spectacle.
It is not clear how the idea of playing a football match in a river first arose, but the tradition has reportedly been going strong for around 100 years.
The match regularly draws large crowds and fans are advised to wear waterproofs if they plan to stand close to the side of the “pitch”.
This year’s match ended 2-1 to the men’s team after the yellow shirts scored a late winner.
They had taken an early lead after winning a free kick on the edge of the penalty area and were 1-0 up when the veterans missed a penalty on the stroke of half-time.
The men’s team had a second goal disallowed for a foul early in the second half before the veterans, who were in blue, equalised from the penalty spot.
But the veterans were unlucky to be pipped at the end when men’s team sneaked a winning goal with minutes to go.
Mike Smith, who refereed the game dressed as a woman, said afterwards: “It was a good game. We tried to make it as entertaining as possible but also keep to the rules.
“The vets always want to beat the young lads.
“Some of the people were saying it is the biggest crowd they have seen for a while, probably around the 1,000 mark.
“The vets team included a couple of people who used to play rugby and it’s a real community team.
“Any money we have raised today goes straight back into the club.”
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